Her Father's Daughter

By Eilidh Miller

Stewart land has always been a place where the routines and traditions that have governed the lives of its inhabitants could go on forever unchanged.

 

While life for Emilia Stewart seems to be changing for the better with a promotion and a secret revelation from her best friend Alasdair, her happiness is short-lived. When the secrets of others bring war to the Highlands once more, it sweeps Alasdair and all those she loves along with it.

 

When the web of secrecy and lies surrounding her birth is revealed in a wartime confession, Emilia struggles to reconcile the truth with the life she's always known.

As one bloody, brutal battle irrevocably shatters her country forever and casts her future into terrifying chaos, can Emilia come to terms with who she truly is and find the strength to save them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Griffith Cameron Publishing
• Release date: Sep 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955212038

Eilidh Miller

A California native, Eilidh Miller, FSAScot, has a BA in English and studied history as an undeclared minor to better inform her literature studies. A recent winner of the Robert Burns Literary Award and a Fellow with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Eilidh is very active within Southern California's Scottish community, spending a great deal of time volunteering with the charitable organization St. Andrew's Society of Los Angeles. A long-time historical reenactor, Eilidh loves research and educating the general public about historical events, as well as entertaining them with tidbits no one would believe if they weren't documented. She extends this same energy to her work, extensively researching the historical periods she includes in her writing to ensure that the information she presents is correct, even going so far as to travel internationally to access archives and scout locations.  She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, daughter, and her feisty Shiba Inu sidekick.You can keep up with Eilidh on TikTok - @authoreilidh - or her website www.eilidhmiller.com. You can also join her Facebook page to keep up to date on the next release, special content, and information on appearances.

Book preview

Chapter One

Emi!

The loud whispering of her name in a familiar voice caused Emi to pause in her work and smile because she knew the man to whom that voice belonged. She’d known him all her life, and the slight urgency that laced his tone meant he was up to something. Turning around, she saw him smile at her from the doorway to the kitchens where she worked.

The weather is too fine to be indoors. Can ye nae come out for a time? he whispered to her.

Emi turned back around, worrying her lip with her teeth for a moment before looking at the older woman beside her. Bridgette had taken her in as a child when Emi’s mother and father — Helena and Darach — died, though Emi didn’t remember them. She’d been just over a year old when they’d caught a fever and died within hours of each other, and as soon as they’d become ill, Bridgette had taken Emi into her care at Helena’s request. When the worst happened, Bridgette and her husband Andrew kept Emi with them, unable to bear the thought of sending her away. Helena had entrusted Emi to them, and they refused to let that end just because Helena’s life had.

Maman, may I go outside for a little while as the dough sits?

Bridgette offered her an amused smile. Go on, she said with a tip of her head toward the door as she gathered some bread and cheese into a towel. Wrapping it, she handed it to Emi. And do not think I do not see you there, Alasdair Stewart. You are neither as clever nor as sneaky as you think you are.

Emi heard Alasdair laugh behind her, and she grinned, turning around and hurrying out of the door as Bridgette shook her head. If there was anyone who could pull Emi away from a task with extraordinarily little effort, it was Alasdair Stewart. A polite young man but a skilled warrior and horseman, he already had a reputation as one of the Stewart retainers others should do their best to avoid crossing. It wasn’t for nothing, he’d proven that more than once, and he was given a wide berth by officers from other clans because of it. Tall and muscular, with a broad chest and shoulders, he could look quite intimidating if he chose to. Alasdair was also exceedingly handsome with his dark hair, blue eyes, and strong jawline, something Emi knew he was well aware of and used to his advantage as often as he was able.

He was a good friend of her brother Evander — a junior officer with the chief’s men, along with many of the other young men both he and Emi had grown up with — but unlike Evander, Alasdair was a full officer in service to their chief, Crisdean Stewart. It was a high honor for one so young, and at only 21 he sat in an esteemed and influential place within the clan, though he certainly never let it go to his head. His job was his job, and that was all it was. It didn’t make him special … or at least that’s what he always told Emi. Everyone else in the clan seemed to think otherwise, however.

Making the small jump from the stairs rather than taking them down, Emi landed next to Alasdair, the move making him grin. There. I am outside. Now what?

Well, since ye were given a bite to eat, let us go sit by the river, so ye can enjoy it in the sunshine.

I think that sounds perfect.

The two of them walked the short distance in silence, and Alasdair chose a spot for them to rest that was shielded from full view of the road by some trees. This ensured no one came around to bother them, and with time fully alone with each other a rarity, it seemed Alasdair had no intention of sharing it with someone else. Sitting down on the grass, Emi unwrapped the towel to find that Bridgette had also included two small pastries from the bunch she’d been preparing for that night’s supper.

I should tell Bridgette how much I love and adore her, Alasdair said as the treats were unveiled. Reaching for one, he found his hand promptly slapped, and he looked at Emi in confusion.

Ye did nae ask if ye could have one. I thought the chief taught ye better manners? Besides, if I were to offer ye one, it should be at the end of my meal, nae the beginning.

I did nae know I had to ask, as ye usually dinnae make me. Is life nae too short to save the best of things for the end?

I suppose that is true, she said, her expression thoughtful before she smiled. Go on with ye, then.

Alasdair responded with a triumphant grin before he took the treat and popped it into his mouth with a happy sigh. As he closed his eyes and lay back on the grass, Emi watched the sun sparkle through the leaves of the trees and dance in bright spots across his face. Scottish summers could be so beautiful, and it often made the endurance of the rest of the year worth it.

Are ye nae supposed to be with the chief?

I was, he replied once he’d finished chewing his food. Released now.

That is early, no?

Aye, but that is because we are leaving in the morning.

Leaving? To where?

Inverness. The chief has business there.

Oh. Is it as beautiful as they say?

Inverness? No. It is a city.

I mean the journey, ye dolt, Emi said, laughing.

Oh, aye, that part is.

I wish I could go.

What if ye could? he asked, opening his eyes and turning his head to look at her.

She looked at him with genuine curiosity. How could I?

Maybe I could convince him to let ye come along to restock some things for the kitchens.

But that is Maman’s job.

She could always delegate it to ye.

She will nae.

Ye have nae ever asked, have ye? Emi fell quiet and Alasdair sat up, propping himself on an elbow and watching her as she mulled the idea over. Come with us, Em. I know I could get him to allow it. Ye have never gone anywhere farther than the village, and I know ye want to.

I do, she admitted. But then what about Arabella? What about yer mam and Fergus’ mam?

Yers will still be here, and everyone will be fine. The clan and our families will nae collapse in yer absence.

Alasdair’s persuasive ability drove her mad at times, but this wasn’t one of those moments. She did want to go now that he’d offered it and was more than willing to let him talk her into it. If ye can get him and Maman to agree, then I will go. But ye have to ask them both yerself.

If that is the cost of ye coming along, I will gladly pay it and then some.

She smiled shyly at him and turned her eyes back to her food, eating a small piece of cheese as she watched the glittering water slide by. Going outside of the village on a new adventure with Alasdair, as well as spending so long a time with him, was an exciting and appealing opportunity. Though he was two years older than she was, the same age as Evander, it hadn’t ever seemed to matter, and he’d been her friend from her earliest memories. When his own father had died when he was seven, she’d sat silent in a corner with him, holding his hand as he’d gone between wailing and staring blankly. Emi had been the only soul he’d let near him those first few days, and it was Emi who had been able to coax him to eat or drink. He would sleep with his head in her lap while she stroked his hair, and through it all Emi hadn’t left his side. She knew it was something he’d never forgotten, he’d said so many times, and he held her close because of it. She was his dearest friend, woman or no, and knew a great deal more about him than anyone else did. Other women were jealous of the high esteem and care he held for Emi, but none dared do or say anything, lest they ruin any chance they might have with him. To speak badly of or harm Emi was the surest way to earn Alasdair’s permanent disdain.

The pair of them were well-suited friends, having similar minds, similar quick wits, and similar interests. He knew how to get a rise out of her and sometimes did so just because he could, though she was equally able to return the favor. Emi was one part of Alasdair’s group of closest friends, the only female in the pack, and had earned her place there fairly. When they were all young, she’d been just as quick to get dirty, climb trees — and fall out of them — roughhouse, fish, or hunt as they had. They all adored her in their own ways and for their own reasons, as she did them, with Bridgette often worrying aloud that it would prevent Emi from ever courting or marrying because the young man would have to get through a thorough inspection and approval by half of Crisdean’s officers and junior officers first.

Je souhaite que vous ne souriez pas autant, he said to her, following the words with a small smile. I do wish you would not smile so much.

Alasdair could speak French fluently, the chief had made sure of it, and he enjoyed using it with Emi, who was the same because of Bridgette, who’d come to Stewart land with her husband after meeting him during a visit by the current chief’s father to France. Doing so allowed him to keep in practice, and while he also spoke it with Evander, he seemed to use it more often with her.

Pourquoi? she asked, looking over at him as her brow knitted in a frown. Why?

Parce que tu es beaucoup trop jolie quand tu le fais, et j'ai peur de devoir commencer à retenir les garçons bientôt, he replied. Because you are far too pretty when you do, and I fear I am going to have to start holding lads back soon.

Emi gave him a curious look. He’d never said anything like that before. What a strange thing to say.

Is it?

There is no one here to hold back, Alasdair, in case ye have suddenly gone blind. Besides, there are plenty of other lasses to go to before I am even noticed.

Why would ye say something as daft as that?

It is nae daft!

Aye, it is. Maybe I should sneak ye into the private quarters so that ye can look in a mirror, Em.

She shrugged in response. If they were going to do so, they would have already. Nae as though I care that they have nae.

And why is that? Should ye nae be wanting such attention? he asked. Though I have a fairly good idea why they have nae, and it has naught to do with a lack of beauty, believe me.

"Then what does it have to do with?"

Ye have heard yer mam. They would have to deal with us, and, so far, none of them are brave enough to dare try.

Well, that is fine by me, thank ye. I dinnae know why I am nae interested, really. Nae something I am really thinking of just now.

Alasdair said nothing, though she could tell he was holding something back. She didn’t ask, she knew he’d tell her when he was ready to do so, and pressing him would get her nothing but a stone-faced wall that went by the name of Alasdair. She had a feeling she knew what it was he was avoiding saying to her: that he had his eye on one of the lasses who clamored after him, with a more serious thought than to just an evening or two. She wasn’t surprised by it, as he was getting to the age where he should have a wife and a family, like their friend and Alasdair’s fellow officer, Cailean, though why he would hesitate to tell her was a mystery. Perhaps he thought she’d be hurt by their being able to spend less time together, though she knew full well such a thing was inevitable.

I should go back, she said as she stood up, her statement and movement bringing a look of alarm to his face.

I did nae mean to upset ye, Emi.

Ye have nae, she said, offering him a reassuring smile. But I have bread that needs baking for supper tonight. Nae all of us get dismissed early, ye know.

Ah. Right, he said, his sheepish smile showing his momentary embarrassment.

Finish the bread and cheese, and bring the towel back when ye are done, she said, turning to walk away from him.

Emi.

Aye? she said, stopping and looking back at him over her shoulder.

I … thank ye for the food, he said in a rush, though Emi didn’t miss his hesitation at the beginning.

Ye are welcome. See ye at supper.

Aye, see ye at supper.

When she returned, Emi resumed her place in the kitchen and let her work take over her thoughts. She loved baking, it was one of her favorite tasks, and she was happy to do it here with the fine ingredients the chief could provide. It allowed her to experiment, and those things she made were generally quite well received. Venison pie was a favorite and her signature dish, one she was always requested to make when the chief was having a private supper with a guest or alone with his officers.

Emilia.

The sound of Crisdean’s voice behind her made her jump, and she whirled around to face him. She’d been so absorbed in her task she hadn’t heard him come in, or even noticed other work stopping at his appearance. She also hadn’t noticed Bridgette leave the kitchens, but clearly, she had since she was standing next to him now.

Chief, she replied, lowering herself into a curtsy. Were ye after a pie, sir? I think there is time enough to get it done for supper if ye need. I can start right now.

Crisdean shook his head with a gentle laugh. No, lass, but thank ye. I am nae in need of a pie tonight, though perhaps we will want to ready one for the road.

The road, sir?

Aye. Ye are coming with us to Inverness, are ye nae? The men and I will need to eat.

Emi’s eyes widened. Alasdair had done it. He’d really done it! Aye, of course! I will start straight away! It will be the best pie I have ever made! Thank ye, Chief!

Her exuberance made him laugh outright now. Easy with ye, child. It is just Inverness; it is nae as if I am taking ye to France. Bridgette, excuse her from the supper preparations, would ye? That way she has all of her time free to see to provisioning.

Yes, of course, Chief.

Emilia, be ready to leave at dawn.

Aye, Chief!

As Crisdean departed, Bridgette looked over at her with a smile and a raised eyebrow. Alasdair must have really wanted you to go along.

What makes ye say that?

Well, he promised to do whatever I needed of him if I let him tell the chief that I wanted you to go to Inverness for me. Then he promised the chief extra watch shifts and stable work if he would allow you to go.

The thought of him wanting her to go so badly made her smile. Then I had better get to work, so he does nae regret it.

Emi hurried to the storerooms to gather what she’d need for the pie, but when she got there, she found Alasdair waiting for her, a victorious smile on his lips. I told ye I could convince him.

Ye did, and now I need to get to work to be ready for the journey, she replied as she started picking up items and putting them in one of the baskets left by the door.

Aye, and I am looking forward to eating that work.

I am sure ye are, she said before she stopped, looking at him curiously and narrowing her eyes. Alasdair, come here.

What is it?

I think ye have a bit of grass in yer hair from earlier.

Oh, he said, coming toward her and leaning down so she could get it out.

As soon as he was close enough, Emi reached up with flour-covered hands and mussed his hair before he could react, bringing a loud gasp from him as she laughed. Now ye look like one of those fancy powdered gentlemen!

Oh, ye are in for it now.

Emi stopped laughing, belatedly thinking better of her prank, and took a couple of steps back before she turned to run. In the small space, he caught her easily and dragged her backward, clutching her back to his chest. Alasdair wrapped an arm around her as she squirmed. Let go!

Oh, no, no, no. Revenge is mine, he retorted. Without another word, he began tickling her side, bringing a squeal from her before she laughed.

Alasdair!

Fancy powdered gentleman, eh?

Aye!

Ohh, wrong answer! he said, laughing and upping the ferocity of his attack.

Emi let out a small shout, sagging in his arms as she laughed harder. We can take some soot and put a spot near yer lips and powder yer face, too, before we sell ye to France!

Sell me! he exclaimed, still laughing. Ye would have to catch me first!

Emi had tears in her eyes from laughing and shook her head. Stop!

The moment she said the word he stopped, and she turned around in his arms with the intent to playfully shove him away from her. He had, however, remained much closer to her than she’d realized, and when she turned around, they were nearly face-to-face. Her laughter ceased in a tiny gasp, and she looked up at him, breathing quickly and cheeks red from the teasing. Alasdair looked down at her for a moment before he immediately released her, both of them backing away a few steps.

I should go, he said, the words tumbling out in a quiet rush. I need to get things ready and let Mam know I am leaving.

Aye, she said, her confusion making her just as quiet.

He said nothing else as he brushed past her and departed, leaving her to try to make sense of what had just happened, even if she didn’t know what that was.

The rest of the day passed quickly as she busied herself getting things ready for four days on the road, and it left her with no time to ponder the moment in the storeroom. By the time supper was ready, she’d finished her work and, because she didn’t have to serve tonight, was able to change into a dress more suited for dining in the hall than working in the kitchens. As she emerged into the roar of a full hall, she threaded her way through the crowd to the table where those who worked in the kitchens sat.

Emi! Evander called out as he hurried toward her. Are ye really going to Inverness?

Aye! Can ye believe it? she replied, unable to hide her excitement at the very thought even if she’d tried.

No, but I am happy for ye all the same. It is about time ye went somewhere else, though I am nae going this time.

Because of me? I am sorry, Evander.

No, nae because of ye, daft lass. The fields need work, so I need to do that instead while the weather is fine.

Ah, of course.

Ye watch yerself with them.

Emi looked at him curiously, finding it a strange thing for Evander to say about his own friends, though had she been anyone else, there might have been those giving the same warning to her about him. She knew Evander saw her as his true sister, blood or not, and he was as protective of her as any blood brother would be. His desire to keep her close and protect her had only increased since his father’s death two years prior, seeing it as his duty as the now head of their family.

Why?

Just watch yerself, all right? he said in a low voice before he departed.

She turned and watched him walk back across the hall to the table where Alasdair sat with the other officers, glancing at her as he took his seat, but Alasdair didn’t acknowledge her at all. She stood still for a moment, hoping he’d at least look her way and smile, but she turned around and continued to the table when it was clear he wasn’t going to. It bothered her more than it should, though she couldn’t say why, and as she sat down, she cast a glance back at the officer’s table to find him laughing with Cailean. Turning her gaze forward again, she clasped her hands together tightly in her lap.

Emi, sweetness, are you all right?

Bridgette’s voice broke her thoughts, and Emi glanced over at her. Was she all right? No. No, she wasn’t. I … I have lost my appetite, Maman. Nerves about tomorrow probably. Excuse me, would ye?

Emi —

Emi didn’t wait to hear the rest of what Bridgette wanted to say, walking across the hall and out as fast as she could without running and picking up a lantern. Her desire to not remain there far outweighed any hunger she may have felt, and as she hurried down the path that would take her home, she wiped tears from her cheeks with her free hand. Why was she crying? It made no sense, really. Perhaps she was just overtired, and her excitement was wearing off enough to show it.

After a night of restless sleep, Emi was at the castle before dawn, loading up the things she’d made and armed with a list from Bridgette of things she needed to get in Inverness. It wasn’t long before Crisdean and his officers emerged, walking past her, and she watched them gather together to go through one final check on saddles, bags, and other things.

Are we ready? Crisdean called out.

Emi made her way toward the front of the cart, but Alasdair stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm, the first time he’d acknowledged her presence since the storeroom. Ye are riding with us. Come, let me help ye, he said before he led her to the horse meant for her. May I?

Aye, thank ye, she said.

With a nod, he lifted her by the waist and sat her atop the horse before mounting his own next to her. Fergus and Cailean were riding vanguard with Crisdean between them, while Alasdair stayed to her right, and another of the officers joined them on the left. The cart would come behind them, with two other officers following it. When Crisdean gave the signal to ride out, the group moved forward through the gates and onto the road that would take them through the village to the main road to Inverness. There was silence for now, and the sky was getting lighter, the deep pinks and purples of the horizon becoming softer. By the time they reached the main road, the sun was nearly up, and it wasn’t long before they were on the other side of the village and into territory Emi had never seen before. Through the trees to her left, she could see a great loch, a layer of morning mist still hanging over its surface. The chirping and twittering of the birds was loud in the stillness of all else.

Is it as beautiful as ye had hoped so far? Alasdair asked, breaking the silence.

Emi looked over at him, her face half-hidden by the hood of her arasaid. Oh, so ye wish to speak to me now?

What? Alasdair asked, looking over at her in confusion.

Ye have nae said a word to me since yesterday afternoon, but now ye want to speak to me as if that were nae so? she said, her tone sharper than she’d intended, before turning her eyes forward again.

I … I was busy, Em. I had things to do.

Too busy to even say hello to me at supper?

Were ye there? I did nae see ye.

Emi looked over at him again, unable to keep the hurt out of her expression. Ye did nae see me. Thank ye so very much, Alasdair. Good to know I am as invisible to ye as I told ye I was yesterday.

Emi, I apologize; that was nae how I meant that. Ye are nae invisible; I must have just missed seeing ye before ye sat down. If I had seen ye, then ye know I would have spoken to ye, just as I always do.

Emi said nothing for a long moment, trying to understand why what he’d said even bothered her. It shouldn’t, and normally wouldn’t, but today it felt like rejection and the sting of it was vicious. I know, she finally replied, though her voice was quiet. I dinnae know why I said that or snapped at ye. Sorry, Alasdair.

Alasdair smiled reassuringly. Dinnae fret. I should nae have said what I did, and I am sorry I missed speaking with ye. I guess I was just so tied up with getting ready, running everything through in my head, that I was nae really paying attention.

It is beautiful, though, she said, changing the subject as she looked around her.

We have nae even left our own lands yet.

We have nae?

Alasdair looked at her curiously. No. How small do ye think our lands are, Em?

"I dinnae know. I thought it